Blog Spotlight: Kim from What’s That Smell?

I’m starting something new this year. In 2012, I learned a tremendous amount about the blogging community. To sum it up in just two words: Bloggers Rule!

For the most part (There are always exceptions. Oh, you totally know who you are!), I’ve found bloggers to be some of the nicest, friendliest, supportive people around. Many have helped me out with advice and support, looking for absolutely nothing in return.

So I want to give back to the community. And the best way I can think of is to share. Sorry, I’m not sharing my Candy Cane Oreosor Magic Cookie Bars. But what I am sharing is blogs. Every week, I plan on spotlighting a different blog and blogger right here on my site. I plan on hitting up all types of blogs from guys to gals, from fairly new and small to ginormous ones.

To kick things off, I’m starting with my blogging buddy Kim. I first took notice of Kim on Twitteractually and soon after started following her blog. Once I joined up with the wonderful blogging crew over at Momdot.com, I got to know her even more. (Kim and Momdot’s owner Trisha Haas both co-own the brand-promoting site Brandfluential) She’s totally into healthy living, enjoys posting thousands of photos of her at her computer with a dog on her lap, and graduated from the school of sarcasm. I couldn’t think of a better blogger to premiere with.

What’s that smell? has been my signature phrase since, well, forever. My friend from years ago still calls me “stinky” and yes, you can joke about why, but it’s because my annoyingly keen sense of smell causes me to always ask that question. It was a natural title when I started the blog because I started it as a mom blog and kids are a HUGE source of strange smells.
What do you love most about blogging?

The connections and true friends I have made within the blogging community and the income it has provided for my family. I’m not going to lie, making money doing something you enjoy while spending time with your friends is a huge benefit.

What’s the worst part about blogging?

The pressure of connecting with my readers and growing my audience. Also, because it has become a source of income, there is a lot of pressure to maintain it.

Why do you blog?

It’s kind of like owning a dog. Even if they aren’t listening or can’t understand you, at least you have that feeling of actually getting something out there. Ok that was a joke – well partly. It goes back to the connections, and if I can post something that someone relates to or learns from, I like knowing that I have made a contribution.

Does your family read your blog? Ever get in trouble because of it?

They read it but I do not post things that would cause tension or discomfort among my family, especially my husband. Private stuff is private, especially where adult relationships are concerned. I do think that as my kids get older you will see less of them as well because I believe it will become more of a personal privacy issue.
How has blogging affected your life?

I started blogging as an architect who had just quit her job to become a stay-at-home mom. I am now a professional blogger with a growing PR business. Blogging helped support our family when my husband lost his job. I’d say that blogging has supported us financially, emotionally and made it possible for me to remain at home with my kids. Blogging also has brought so many amazing relationships into my life. I honestly can’t imagine my life without it.
Have you met other bloggers in person? Is it awkward?

Yes, met many. No, not awkward. At least not for me. I found it to be fun and it solidifies relationships and helps grow new ones. It can become awkward, however, when you are wearing tight ’80s sweatpants and a Dolly Parton wig…oh wait, I’ve said too much, and even then – not awkward.

If you could have anyone in the world (living or dead) write a guest post for your blog, who would it be?

Joel Salatin from Polyface Farms. I’d love for him to address organic farming from a parenting perspective. On a level that would connect with the average mom and dad. He is so inspiring and he’s also the one person I would also love to have over for dinner. I wouldn’t mind if he adopted me either.

Comments

What a great person to spotlight. I love Kim from What’s That Smell. I have had the pleasure of meeting her and of becoming her friend. She is so smart and full of knowledge. Thanks for showing her off to even more people!Maryann recently posted..Pear Salsa WW Points 1

I met Kim since I started blogging and found that she lives not terribly far from me and has kids close to my kids’ ages. We’ve all become close friends. I see Kim as one of my best friends. She’s such a great person and she just wants the best for her family. Great great person!Paula @ Frosted Fingers recently posted..Top 10 Recipe Posts for 2012!

That’s awesome. It’s hard for me to find any bloggers nearby, unless I count NYC. But since I live in the suburbs, I’ve discovered only 2 bloggers that are somewhat in my area. I wonder if I’ve ever bumped into them without knowing it!

I love your idea of a blogger spotlight! I’m not sure why blogrolls are used so infrequently these days, when I started blogging in 2005, everyone had one. I’d like to bring that back too. We should all give back to the blogging community more

Great choice to start with Kim, whom I’ve known for years. She’s a positive force in the blogosphere and a great person in general!

Hey, Elizabeth! Thanks so much. I thought it was a good idea too. Glad everyone seems to like ti too. I remember blogrolls being a big deal too and they’ve pretty much died. I’ve got a small one on here that I really should beef up when I have the time!

I was wondering about the name of your blog, lol. I have a horrible sense of smell. My husband often wonders how I can cook so well and with my lack of sense of smell. Very cool about Joel. I dream about interviewing Sally Fallon Morrell one day. Great interview!Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving recently posted..Paleo Menu: Whole30 Recipes

Kim is so funny, what a great choice for blog of the week! I agree, maintaining your audience, especially when it’s a source of income, can cause pressure, but luckily blogging is a fun outlet as well. Congrats Kim!Penelope recently posted..Making A House Our Home {Part I} – Out With The Old

Well, hello Kim:) I had no clue why your blog was named that. I post so rarely with Gav anymore because at 10, he thinks I’m crazy to post all over the internet lol.Nichol recently posted..25 Fun Snow Activities to do with the Kids

I’ve never met Kim but I find her extremely inspiring and funny! A great choice to start out with! I rarely post photos of my kids these days, the older they get, the more privacy they want — wimps!Henrietta recently posted..Wordless Wednesday &#8211; Granddaughter Expressions #ww